The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Carla S. Roberts.
DIGEST
SB 63 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Mizell
Present constitution provides that no law shall be enacted respecting an establishment of religion or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that the freedom to worship in a church or other place
of worship is a fundamental right that is worthy of the highest order of protection.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution and clarifies that proposed
constitutional amendment is not intended to alter or limit the free exercise of religion guaranteed in
the present constitution.
Proposed constitutional amendment further provides that if the state or local government acts in a
manner contrary to the proposed constitutional amendment, a court hearing the challenge to that
governmental action is to apply the standard of strict scrutiny, unless a higher level of protection is
recognized and applied by the court.
Specifies submission of the amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held on October
14, 2023.
(Adds Const. Art. XII, Sec. 17)